. >> how about chuck hagel? i think we can confidently say that he will be confirmed as secretary of defense and that's not me saying it, that's republicans who are blocking him. here they are. >> we will have a vote when we get back, and i'm confident that senator hagel will probably have the votes necessary to be confirmed as the secretary of defense. >> but you're not a yes vote for your old friend? >> no. i don't believe he is qualified, but i don't believe that we should hold up his nomination any further. >> so steve, does that mean that hagel is not the most leftist, iran-loving, israel-hating, possibly terrorist-linked candidate ever to be nominated as defense secretary? >> well -- >> can one interpret that in that way. >> it's interesting when he says not qualified. i'm curious what mccain means by not qualified because when you look at generally speaking when it comes to cabinet nominations, advise and consent, the idea is to ask tough questions but generally confirm unless there's a conclusion that th